Human rights advocate Lara Dimitrijevic has been named by US ambassador Mark A. Schapiro as his nominee for the US Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award.

The embassy selected Dr Dimitrijevic as the recipient because of her "exceptional and courageous work" as an advocate for human rights.

Ambassador Schapiro praised Dr Dimitrijevic’s efforts to promote children’s rights, gender equality and women’s rights, including pro bono legal services and support for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.

In recognising her role as a Woman of Courage, Mr Schapiro said, “Dr Dimitrijevic is a stalwart advocate of women’s empowerment and a steadfast champion of victims of abuse”.

Mr Schapiro referred to the debate on reproductive rights in the US and in Malta noting, “across our countries and across the world, opinions differ and we respect everyone’s right to air such opinions in a respectful and constructive manner”.

Past recipients of the award include Renee Laiviera, Commissioner for the Promotion of Equality; Katrine Camilleri, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service; Gabi Calleja, coordinator of the Malta Gay Rights Movement; and Amy Camilleri Zahra, president of Amputees 4 Amputees.